Truss and joist brace

ABSTRACT

A brace system is provided for bracing at least two frame members of a multi-frame member containing frame system of a building. The brace system includes an elongated brace having a length sufficient to extend between at least two frame members. The brace includes a generally vertically extending frame engaging leg having at least three cut-out portions therein, the cut-out portions being disposed at predetermined intervals for receiving frame members. First and second wing members extend generally perpendicular to the frame engaging leg and are positioned for resting on an upper surface of a frame member. A deck engaging leg extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the wing members, and includes a deck engaging surface positioned for serving as a rest for decking members.

I PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional patentapplication filed Mar. 29, 2002, Ser. No. 60/369,094.

II. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to devices for use in constructionof a building, and more particularly to a spacer/bracer for use inconnection with a truss system of the type typically used in the roof,floor or walls of a building.

III BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An integral part of a building is the frame of the building. Theframe of buildings, and especially residential buildings, usuallyconsists of an ordered array of elongated frame members. The framemembers are disposed in a spaced parallel relationship, and commonlyconsist of a plurality of wood or steel members, such as 2″×4″, 2″×6″ or2″×10″ frame members, the length of which is usually several feet orgreat. The particular orientation, length, and type of frame membersused depend upon the particular type and size of the building beingconstructed, and the place within the building in which the framemembers are used. For example, residential buildings typically employwood frame members, whereas commercial buildings may employ wood framemembers, but often employ steel or aluminum frame members.

[0004] The plurality of frame members are arrayed so that their uppersurfaces extend in a unitary, parallel plane that faces upwardly whenused for the floor of a building. For a wall of the building, the framemembers extend generally vertically, and are arrayed so that their sidesurfaces are disposed in a generally vertically extending plane.

[0005] The roof of a building can be constructed similarly to a floor,with the upper surfaces of the frame members extending in a generallyhorizontal plane. However, in most cases, the frame members of a roofextend at an inclined angle, with the outer, upper edge surfaces beingdisposed in a plane that extends generally between about 10 degrees and80 degrees from horizontal. In many roof systems, a peaked roof isformed where a first array of frame members extend generally upwardlyfrom the point where the frame members are joined to a wall of thehouse, to a peak that is achieved approximately midway between a pair ofopposed walls. A second set of arrayed frame members extend from theopposed walls to the peak, to meet the first set of frame members.

[0006] Although roofs may be constructed using individual frame memberelements, many roofs are formed using truss systems. A truss systemtypically comprises three primary board members that are joinedtogether. Three members of a truss system of a typical roof include abase member that extends between opposing walls of a building. The basemember generally extends predominantly horizontally. Additionally, thetruss system includes first and second angled (inclined) members, withthe first angled member having its lower end coupled to a first end ofthe base member, and its second. or upper end being disposed adjacent tothe point where the peak of the roof will be. Similarly, the secondangled member has its lower end attached adjacent to the second end ofthe base member, while the upper end of the inclined member is coupledto the upper end of the first inclined member. In addition to the threeprimary board members, one or more secondary members can extend betweena pair of the primary members to impart additional strength and rigidityto the truss. Through this construction, the truss will typically have atriangular shape.

[0007] To construct a roof, a plurality of truss members are arrayed ina spaced, parallel relations, with the spacing between adjacent trussesgoverned by either building codes or load bearing requirements. Mostspacing regimes call for the truss units to be spaced apart by a uniformdistance (e.g. 24 or 16 inches on center).

[0008] One difficulty that occurs with trusses, is stabilizing the trussunits and bracing them after the truss units are attached to thesupporting walls, and before decking is applied to the upper surface ofthe truss units, to form the floor, or roof (as appropriate). A typicalconstruction process by which a truss system is assembled starts withthe three (or more) members of each individual truss unit beingassembled into a triangular truss unit. This process often occurs at amanufacturing site that is often far removed from the construction siteof the building in which the truss will be used. At the constructionsite, the supporting walls of the building are usually constructedbefore the trusses are set in place. The supporting walls typicallyinclude an upper supporting beam on each of the upright supportingwalls.

[0009] A plurality of truss units are then arrayed parallel to eachother so that they are placed on their ends, with the base member beingattached to the upper supporting beams. When in this position, the basemember of the truss spans the distance between opposing walls. Aplurality of truss units are arrayed in a parallelly extending arrayfrom one end of the supporting wall to the other end of the supportingwalls.

[0010] The number of particular truss units that are used on anyparticular building depends primarily upon the size of the building, andthe spacing between the truss members. As will be appreciated, for abuilding of a given size, more truss units will be utilized on abuilding where closer spacing exists between individual truss units. Theparticular spacing chosen between adjacent truss units is a functionboth of the desired strength necessary for the roof or floor structure,and the particular local building codes that often govern the maximumspace that can exist between adjacent truss members.

[0011] Most truss units have a much greater length dimension (asmeasured from one end to the other end of the base unit), and heightdimension (as measured between the top of the peak and the lower mostedge of the base member) than a width dimension (as measured between thefirst and second side surfaces of any one of the base and/or angledmembers). For example, a typical truss system may have a length of 40′,a height of 10′, but a width of only 2″, as that may be the width of theframe members (e.g. 2″×4″ boards) used in the truss system. Thedimensions set forth create a device that usually has very littlelateral stability when not supported, or not joined to other trussunits. As such, the truss units are subject to toppling over on theirsides when they are supported only at their base by the attachment to asupporting wall.

[0012] Two significant difficulties exist when assembling an array oftruss units into a truss system for a building. The first difficultyrelates to obtaining the proper spacing between truss units. Preferably,the truss units of a roof system, floor system or wall frame system,should be spaced uniformly and parallel. To accomplish this, the trussunits must be spaced uniformly and parallel with respect to the unitsadjacent to them, to ensure that the spacing between the trusses at bothends is equal, so that the truss units will be parallel. Additionally,all of the truss units should be separated by consistent spacing except,perhaps, for perhaps a truss or two which is spaced unevenly in caseswhere the length of the building is not evenly divisible by a selectedtruss unit spacing. To learn more about truss systems, the reader isinvited to view the materials provided by the Truss Plate Institute atwww.tpinst.org.

[0013] A second difficulty relates to bracing the truss units to providethe truss units with lateral stability. The truss units will achievesignificant lateral stability in the final constructed roof, due to theattachment of the upper edges of the truss units to the sheet-likedecking (that is usually comprised of a plurality of 4′×8′ plywoodsheets). However, the truss units do not have great lateral stabilitybefore the decking is attached to their top surfaces. As discussedabove, the initial attachment point for an individual truss unit (beforethe decking is attached) often is the nail or other attaching devicethat couples an end of the truss unit to the upper beam of thesupporting wall at each end. To provide lateral support, braces areusually attached to the truss units, to provide lateral stability.

[0014] A wide variety of brace systems exist. For example, one bracingsystem employs a ground bracing system that comprises a plurality ofstakes that are driven into the ground adjacent to the side of thebuilding. A series of diagonal bracing members extend from the groundstakes to the first truss unit to support the first truss unit in anupright position. A series of laterally extending brace members extendgenerally perpendicular to the truss units to extend between adjacenttruss units. Another exemplary brace system includes diagonally disposedbrace members that are used in conjunction with the laterally extendingbrace members discussed above.

[0015] Other various truss spacer and/or bracer systems are disclosed inthe following patents:

[0016] Holtzlander, U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,837;

[0017] Robertson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,366,149;

[0018] Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,985;

[0019] Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,261;

[0020] Jahn et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,609,933

[0021] Stewart, III, U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,299;

[0022] Klein, U.S. Pat. No. 3,010,162;

[0023] Krug, U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,200;

[0024] Brinker, U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,101; and

[0025] Shaw, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,058

[0026] Although many of the devices described above most likely performtheir intended tasks in a workmanlike manner, room for improvementexists.

[0027] It is therefore, one object of the present invention to provide aspacing and bracing system for use in connection with a building trussor framing system, such as a roof truss, floor joist, or wall framesystem that aids the construction personnel in ensuring appropriatespacing between adjacent truss units or frame members, and which alsohelps to provide some lateral stability to the unit member.

[0028] Another difficulty that exists in connection with theconstruction of a roof relates to the placement of the decking on theupper surfaces of the inclined members of a truss unit (in a roofsystem), or the upper surfaces of the joist members of a floor joistsystem.

[0029] As discussed above, when all of the various truss units of thetruss system, or are all the various joist units of the floor joistsystem are properly attached to the side supporting walls of thestructure, the floor joists or the roof trusses are usually overlainwith the decking material. Typically, this decking material consists ofa plywood or fiberboard type material. Usually, such decking material isproduced in 4′×8′ sheets. Depending upon the builder's and homeowner'sspecifications, such decking material may have a thickness of somewherebetween about {fraction (3/8)} inches and {fraction (3/4)} inches.

[0030] One difficulty with attaching the plywood decking to the trussunit is that it is often difficult to properly position the deckingmaterial in a desired spot on the truss unit, and to maintain thatdecking in its proper location between the time that the deckingmaterial is laid upon the truss system, and that time when the deckingmaterial is secured to the truss unit such as by nailing the decking tothe truss unit. Maintaining the proper position of a decking member isespecially problematic when the decking member is being attached to apitched roof, as the force of gravity upon the decking member will tendto cause it to slide down the truss. This potential for movement of adecking member also increases the difficulty of aligning adjacentmembers together, so that adjacent decking members are “squared” witheach other, so that their opposing edges align, to reduce the sizes ofthe cracks therebetween.

[0031] It is also an object of the present invention to provide abracing system that will facilitate the maintenance of a deck member inan appropriate, desired position on a roof truss unit or roof joist,during the time between when the decking member is laid on the truss orfloor joist, and the time when it is permanently affixed to the truss orfloor joist by nailing or other attachment.

[0032] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a devicethat will aid the construction framer in aligning adjacent deckingmembers upon a roof truss or floor joist system to better enable him toproperly align a decking member, and reduce the space of the crackstherebetween.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In accordance with the present invention, a brace system isprovided for bracing at least three frame members of a multi-framemember containing frame system of a building. The brace system comprisesan elongated brace having a length sufficient to extend between at leastthree frame members. The brace includes a generally vertically extendingframe engaging leg having at least three cut-out portions therein, thecut-out portions being disposed at predetermined intervals for receivingframe members. First and second wing members extend generallyperpendicular to the frame engaging leg and are positioned for restingon an upper surface of a frame member. A deck engaging leg extends in aplane generally perpendicular to the wing members, and includes a deckengaging surface positioned for serving as a rest for decking members.

[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, abrace system is provided for bracing at least three frame members of amulti-frame member containing frame system of a building. The bracesystem comprises an elongated brace having a length sufficient to extendbetween at least three frame members. The brace includes a generallyvertically extending frame engaging leg having at least three cut-outportions therein. The cut-out portions are disposed at predeterminedintervals for receiving frame members. First and second wing membersextend generally perpendicular to the frame engaging leg. The wingmembers are positioned for resting on an upper surface of a framemember. The frame engaging leg includes at least one break away tabmember formed in the frame engaging leg to form one of the cut outportions.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the deck engaging leg includes aseries of raised portions, that may take the form of dimples/pimples.The dimples can extend outwardly from the deck engaging leg in a singledirection or in both directions. The dimple members are provided forengaging the deck members, and spacing the deck members from the majorsurfaces of the deck engaging leg, to better accommodate expansion andcontraction of the decking members.

[0036] One feature of the present invention is that the framing engagingleg includes a series of spaced apertures. These spaced apertures havethe advantage of enabling the construction personnel to place the framemembers at properly spaced intervals from each other. Additionally, thespaced cut-outs also serve as braces for the frame members, to impartlateral stability to the frame members.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, pre-formed apertures are replaced by aseries of break-away tabs. The break-away tabs can consist of two ormore series of break-away tabs to accommodate different truss and/or Ijoist spacing regimes. For example, a first series of tabs can be spacedto receive 19.2 inch spaced (on center) I-joists, while a second seriesof tabs can be spaced to receive 24 inch spaced (on center) or I-joist.The advantage of the employment of this series of break-away tabs isthat a single inventory item can be employed to handle a variety oftruss spacing regimes. This adaptability helps to reduce manufacturingand inventory costs for the manufacturer, reduces inventory costs forthe distributor, and can reduce time-lost costs for the end use builder.

[0038] It is also a feature of the present invention that a deckengaging member is provided. The deck engaging member serves at leasttwo functions. The first function served by the deck engaging member isthat is serves as a rest and a stop for the decking members. Thisfeature is especially useful when the space/bracer of the presentinvention is used with a frame member on an inclined roof. As will beappreciated, decking members placed upon an inclined roof will have atendency to move downwardly, under the influence of gravity.

[0039] The deck engaging leg of the present invention holds the deckingin place at a fixed position upon the roof, thereby facilitating theengagement of the deck member to the frame members by the carpenter.

[0040] Another advantage achieved by the deck engaging leg is that itprovides appropriate spacing between deck members. Deck members have thepropensity to contract and expand under the influence of heat, coldnessand moisture. When properly positioned, the deck engaging member canenable the deck members to be positioned in a spaced relationship,wherein expansion and contraction factors can be accommodated, withoutthe deck member buckling.

[0041] A further feature of the present invention is that the frameengaging member can include a series of ear members that can be moved toextend in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the frameengaging member. The ears can be positioned adjacent to a side surfaceof a truss member. A nail or other fastening member can be driventhrough the ear member, into the truss member for fixedly coupling thespacer/bracer to the truss member. This feature has the advantage offixedly positioning the spacer/bracer to the truss member. Additionally,by strengthening the bond between the spacer/bracer and the trussmember, the overall strength of the truss system, and the roof, floorand/or wall it supports can also be strengthened significantly.

[0042] These and other features of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art, upon a reading of the detaileddescription and drawings below which set forth the best mode ofpracticing the invention perceived presently.

IV BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the spacer/bracer of thepresent invention showing the cross-shaped embodiment thereof;

[0044]FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partially broken away side view of thespacer of the present invention;

[0045]FIG. 3 is a side view, similar to FIG. 2 showing the spacer/bracerattached to a pair of frame members;

[0046]FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2;

[0047]FIG. 5 is a sectional view, similar to FIG. 4, showing thespacer/bracer engaged to a frame member and decking member;

[0048]FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 2;

[0049]FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of a first alternate “T-brace”embodiment of the present invention;

[0050]FIG. 8 is a side, enlarged, partly broken away view of the T-braceembodiment shown in FIG. 7;

[0051]FIG. 9 is a side, sectional view, showing the T-brace embodimentspacer/bracer as attached to a pair of frame members;

[0052]FIG. 9a is a sectional view taken along line 9A-9A of FIG. 8;

[0053]FIG. 9b is a side view of the spacer/bracer T-brace embodimentshowing the frame member receiving break away tabs;

[0054]FIG. 9c is a bottom view of the T-brace embodiment illustratingthe hinged ear member thereof;

[0055]FIG. 9d is an enlarged bottom view of the spacer/bracer of thepresent invention showing the hinged ear attached by a nail to a framemember of a building;

[0056]FIG. 10 is a somewhat schematic view of the spacer/bracer shown asbeing attached to the frame of a building;

[0057]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the spacer/bracer in use as partof an inclined roof system;

[0058]FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of a roof decking systemshown in FIG. 11.

[0059]FIG. 13 is a side view of a second alternate embodiment (the“I-Joist Brace”) of the present invention; and

[0060]FIG. 14 is a side view of the I-Joist Brace of the presentinvention.

V DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The building frame member spacer/bracer 10 (the “spacer”) of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 1-6 as having a first end 11 and asecond end 13. Typically, the spacer 10 has a significant longitudinalextent between its first end 11 and second end 13, and in any event,should be long enough to span several frame members. Preferably, thespacer 10 has a length of about 12 feet of so, to enable it to span, forexample, nine frame members that are set apart by 16″ (on center), orsix frame members that are set apart by 24″ (on center). The spacer 10is preferably made from a sheet of steel, aluminum, or other metalmaterial, having a thickness of between 26 and 30 gauge, that is rollformed and stamped into its appropriate shape.

[0062] The spacer 10 includes a vertically upwardly extending,deck-engaging leg 12, and a downwardly extending frame engaging leg 14that is disposed generally co-planarly with the deck engaging leg 12.Additionally, the spacer 10 includes a first laterally extending wing 16that is disposed generally co-planarly with a second laterally extendingwing 18. The first and second laterally extending wings 16, 18 aredisposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane in which thedeck and frame engaging legs 12, 14 reside.

[0063] In this application, terms such as vertically, downwardly andlaterally are used to help clarify the orientation of the device shownin the drawings. It should be understood that these orientations maydiffer when the device is in use, and should not be construed aslimitations.

[0064] As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the spacer 10 is formed from asingle sheet of metal which is rolled and stamped to form all of thefour legs 12, 14, 16, 18. In order to accomplish this, the first andsecond laterally extending legs 16, 18 are comprised of a singlethickness of material, and that the deck engaging leg 12 comprises adouble thickness, formed from overlapped first 13 and second 15 deckengaging leg portions. Similarly, the frame engaging leg 14 is comprisedof first 17 and second 19 frame engaging leg portions that impart adouble thickness to the frame engaging leg 14. This double thickness ofthe deck engaging leg 12 and frame engaging leg not only facilitates themanufacture of the device, but also increases the structural rigidity ofthe spacer 10.

[0065] The vertically extending deck engaging leg 12 includes a firstand second set of deck member spacing protrusions that can be in theform of dimples 20, 22. Preferably, and is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6,the first set of deck engaging protrusions 20 are designed to be convex,to extend out of and above the second major surface 26. By contrast, thesecond set of protrusions 22 are formed to be concave, so that theyappear to be protrusions to the first major surface 24, but are recesses(concave) to the second major surface 26 of the deck engaging leg 12.

[0066] The deck engaging protrusions 20, 22 serve as spacers formaintaining deck members, such as deck member 23 and 25 (FIG. 5) in aspaced relationship from the deck engaging leg 12. This spacedrelationship is important, as it provides room for the deck members 23,25 to expand and contract under the influence of heat and moisture,without causing buckling of the deck members 23, 25.

[0067] The downwardly extending, frame engaging leg 14 includes a seriesof spaced cut-outs, such as cut-outs 28, 30 that are sized andpositioned to receive frame members, such as frame members 38, 40 of theroof system, floor joist system, or wall frame system to which thespacer 10 is attached. The frame engaging leg 14 also includes a firstmajor surface 34 and a second major surface 36, with spaced cut-outs 28,30 extending all the way therethrough. The spaced cut-outs 28, 30 arepositioned at predetermined locations, to have a separation generallyequal to the separation between the frame members 38, 40 to which theyare attached. In some buildings, and in some situations, the framemembers 38, 40 are spaced apart by 16″. In such cases, the spacedcut-out 28, 30 would also be spaced apart by 16″ (on center).

[0068] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the cut outs are stamped atthe factory so that the end user receives the device with the cut outsin place. As discussed below in connection with the T-brace embodimentshown in FIG. 9b, the cutouts can comprise two or more series of cutouts to accommodate different typical frame spacing regimes. Forexample, a first series of cut outs can be spaced at 16 inch intervals,and a second set of cut outs can be spaced at 24 inch intervals so thata single spacer 10 can accommodate both 16 inch and 24 inch (on center)spacing regimes, respectively.

[0069] It will be appreciated that the two series of cut outs willemploy some common cut outs. For example, when both a 16 inch and 24inch series of cut outs are employed, both series will use the first(zero inch) and fifth (48 inch) cut outs. Preferably, the cut outs areformed through the use of twist out, break away tabs that the user canselectively remove by hand, depending upon the frame spacing regimeemployed in the particular building.

[0070] Additionally, the spaced cut outs 28, 30 should have a width thatis designed to accommodate the width of the frame members 38, 40. As themost common frame members are two by fours having a width (when measuredat their edge) of slightly less than 2″, a typical width of each of thecut outs 28, 30 will typically be approximately 2″, or slightly lessthan 2″ and preferably about 1{fraction (9/16)} (1.5625) inches.However, the width of the spaced cut-outs can be varied to accommodateframe members having different widths.

[0071] The first laterally extending wing 16 includes an upper surface46 for engaging the lower surface of a deck member, such as deck member23 (FIG. 5), and a lower surface 48 for engaging the upper surface of aframe member 38. A series of apertures 50 extend in a spaced array alongthe length of the first laterally extending wing, and are positionedgenerally adjacent to the cut outs 28, 30 of the lower leg 14. Theapertures 50 are provided for serving as a point through which a nail 52can extend to anchor the spacer 10 to a frame member 38.

[0072] A second laterally extending wing 18 is generally similar inconfiguration, and is the mirror image of the first laterally extendingwing 16, and is generally co-planar therewith. The second laterallyextending wing 18 includes an upper surface 60 and a lower surface 62. Aseries of apertures 64 extend along the length of the second laterallyextending wing 18 in a spaced array, and are positioned generallysimilarly to apertures 50. The apertures 64 are provided for receiving anail 66 for anchoring the second wing 58 and hence the spacer 10 to theframe members 38.

[0073] To form the spacer 10, one begins by cutting a sheet of metalinto an appropriately sized single strip of metal, then passed through aroll-forming operation to bend the metal strip into the cross-shapedspacer 10. If the spacer 10 is manufactured in this manner, it willappreciated that one or more of the legs 12, 14, 16, 18 and, as shown inthe drawings, legs 12, 14 will likely have a double thickness of metal,as the legs 10, 12 may comprise a portion of the strip that is bent backupon itself to form the particular leg. The strip may be eitherpre-stamped, or stamped after forming to create the various cut-outs 28,30 and apertures 50, 52 formed in the spacer 10.

[0074] Another embodiment, the “T-brace” spacer 100 is shown in FIGS.7-10 as being generally T-shaped. T-brace spacer 100 is generallysimilar to spacer 10, except that spacer 100 does not include a deckengaging leg. Spacer 100 is designed primarily for use in wall frameenvironments where a deck engaging edge is not typically utilized, as asingle piece of 4′×8′ drywall or insulation typically extends along thefull length between the top and bottom of the frame. Additionally,T-Brace 100 also works well in a floor frame environment, although theI-Joist Brace, discussed below in connection with FIGS. 13 and 14 ismore proficient when I-Joint type frame members are used in a flooringframe structure.

[0075] T-shaped spacer 100 includes a first end 102 and a second end104, along with a vertically extending, frame engaging leg 106, and awing 108 comprised of first 110 and second 112 wing portions. First wingportion 110 is generally similar in its position and lateral extent tothe first wing of spacer 10, and also to second wing portion 112. Thefirst and second wing portions 110, 112 are co-planar, and are disposedin a plane generally perpendicular to the plane in which the verticalleg 106 is disposed. As best shown in FIG. 9, the T-Brace embodiment100, in cross section is formed from a single elongated strip that isrolled and bent to a first laterally extending wing portion 110 that isgenerally one sheet thick except for the double sheet thickness rolledend flange 111.

[0076] A hemicylindrical stiffening rib 113 is formed to extend thelength of the T-Brace 100. Second laterally extending wing portion 112is generally a similar mirror image of first wing portion 110, and alsoincludes a rolled end flange 115 and a hemicylindrical stiffening rib117.

[0077] The vertically extending frame engaging leg has a doublethickness comprised of a first 119 and second 121 sheet of metal. Thecombination of the double thickness leg 106, the stiffening ribs 113,117 and rolled end flanges 111, 115 impart significant structuralrigidity to the T-brae 100 to help place the size of one exemplaryembodiment of the T-Brace 100 in context, several dimensions will begiven hereunder. The overall width 131 of wings 110, 112 is 1.50 inches;the height 133 is 0.75 inches; the width 135 of one wing 112 is 0.75inches; the width 137 of the rolled end flange 115 is 0.25 inches; andthe height 141 of a stiffening rib 113 is 0.06 inches.

[0078] The vertically extending frame engaging leg 106 includes a firstmajor surface 118 and a second major surface 120. A series of cut-outs,e.g. cut-outs 124 and 126 extend along the length of the vertical leg106 in a spaced relation. The distance between the cut-outs 124, 126 isdetermined by the appropriate spacing between the frame members 128, 130that are received by the cut-outs 124, 126. Additionally, the size ofthe particular cut-outs 124, 126, is also governed by the size of theframe members 128, 130 that they are designed to receive.

[0079] The wing members 108 include apertures 139 that extend throughthe first and second wing portions 110, 112, and through which a nailcan extend for anchoring the spacer 100 to the frame member to which itis to be attached, with the head of the nail being disposed adjacent tothe upper surface 148 of the wing portions 110, 112.

[0080] Turning now to FIG. 9b, the alternate embodiment T-Brace will bedisclosed that a generally similar in configuration to T-Brace 100 shownin FIG. 9a, and includes a pair of laterally extending wings not shown,303, and a generally downwardly extending vertical 301. Two significantdifferences exist however in the downwardly extending leg 301. Inparticular, the downwardly extending leg 301 includes two series of cutouts, including a first series of cut outs that are designed to acceptframe members spaced according to a first spacing regime (e.g. 16inches); and a second set of cut outs that are designed for receiving aset of frame members that are spaced according to a second framingregime (e.g. 24 inches). An additional difference is that the cut outsare not pre-cut into the downwardly extending leg 301. Rather, theyconsist of a series of perforated, break away tabs that the user canremove, on location, by twisting them out of their engagement with thedownwardly extending leg 301. As will be appreciated, this enables theuser to remove some, but not all of the various tabs, depending upon theparticular framing regime used in the particular building.

[0081] It will noted that the break away tabs shown in the drawingsinclude tabs 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312.

[0082] The first series of tabs are separated by a spacing regime of 16inches, and include break away tabs 302, 304, 308, and 312. The distancebetween tabs 302 and 304 (when measured on center) is 16 inches; thedistance between tab 304 and 308 is 16 inches; the distance between tab308 and 310 is 16 inches; and the distance between tabs 310 and 312 is16 inches. It will be appreciated that if tab 302 is arbitrarilyassigned to be at “0” distance, then tab 304 would be at 16 inches fromtab 302; tab 308 will be at 32 inches from tab 302; tab 310 would be at48 inches from tab 302; and tab 312 would be at 64 inches from tab 302.

[0083] The second series of tabs include tabs 302, 306 (which is 24inches from tab 302) and tab 310 (which is 24 inches from tab 306 and 48inches from tab 302). As such, the tabs, spaced according to the regimeset forth above, comprise two series of tabs that can accommodate both afirst spacing regime of 16 inches between frame members, and a secondspacing regime of 24 inches between frame members. It will also beappreciated that some of the tabs, such as tabs 302 and 310 serve bothseries of tabs, as the cut out portion formed by the removal of tab 302would receive the first frame member of each series, and the cut outformed by tab 310 would receive the third frame member of the 24 inchregime spacing, and the fourth frame member of a 16 inch spacing regime.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9b, all of the tabs 302-312 can be perforatedalong the side 314, top 316 and opposed side 318 edges, so that the usercan grab the tab 302, and twist it and break away the tab to disengagethe tab from its connection with the spacer 300. An alternatearrangement however is shown in FIGS. 9c and 9 d.

[0085] Spacer 340 is shown in FIG. 9c as including a pair of laterallyextending wing members 342, 344 and a downwardly extending frameengaging leg 346. Downwardly extending frame engaging leg include abreak away tab portion 350. Break away tab 350 differs from the tabsshown in FIG. 9b (e.g. cut outs 302, 304, etc.), as tab 350 onlyincludes a perforated side edge 352 and top edge (not shown).Additionally, tab 350 is hingedly connected, such as by a scoring line356, to the downwardly extending frame engaging leg 346. This permitsthe break away tab member 350 to pivot about the hinge formed by scoreline 356, from a position wherein it is generally co-planar withdownwardly extending frame engaging leg 346, to a position where thebreak away tab 350 is disposed on a plane generally perpendicular to thedownwardly extending frame engaging leg 346, as shown in FIG. 9d.

[0086] Continuing onward with FIG. 9d, it will be noted that the breakaway tab 350 includes an aperture, through which a nail can pass forfixedly coupling the break away tab 350, and hence the T-Brace 340 to aframe member. It will be noted that the position and configuration ofthe hingedly connected break away tab 350 enables the break away tab 350to be disposed adjacent to and in a parallel plane with the frame member358, to facilitate the passage of a nail 359 through each of the breakaway tab member 350 and frame member 358.

[0087] It has been found by applicant that the hingedly connected breakaway tab is especially useful when used in connection with the basemembers of trusses, or with floor joints. The applicant has found thatbreaking away the appropriate tabs 350, and placing the base from afloor joist into the cut out portion 361 formed by the removal of thehingedly coupled break away tab 350, enables the brace to serve as astand for the joist and truss members. When the tab members 350 arenailed to the frame members, the bracer serves as a frame that issufficient to maintain the floor joists or roof trusses in their uprightposition in a stable enough manner, to enable the construction personnelto complete the job of securing the trusses together in an appropriatemanner, such as through the use of other braces, or by attaching deckingmembers to the trusses.

[0088] Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, an alternate embodiment 400 isshown that is particularly well adapted at receiving I-Joist such as arecommonly used in floor systems. I-Joist Brace 440 is generally similarin configuration to T-Braces 100 and 300, except that it includes amulti-part break away tab that is designed to accommodate I-Joists 440having laterally extending legs 446 of varying widths. Similar to theT-Braces discussed above, the break away tabs forming the cut outportions 406 can be arrayed in more than one series to accommodatedifferent spacing regimes. Additionally, the break away tabs can beconfigured similarly to the break away tab 350 of brace 300, insofar asthey can be hingedly coupled to the vertically extending leg 404 of theT-Brace 400, rather than being complete “break away” tabs, as isdiscussed in connection with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0089] T-Brace 400 includes a laterally extending wing 402 that isgenerally similar to the T-Braces discussed above, and a verticallyextending leg 404 that is also generally similar in size andconfiguration to the vertically extending leg of the T-Braces discussedabove.

[0090] The vertically extending leg 404 includes a series of cut outportions 406, that are formed through the selective removal of breakaway tabs. As best shown in FIG. 13, the break away tab arrangement ofI-Joist Brace 440 comprises a multi-part break away tab that includesfive separately removable tabs 412, 414, 416, 418 and 420, which tabsare defined by a series of linearly extending perforations 422 thatextend between the various tabs 412-420, and along the top edge of thetabs 412-420. The three-part, multi-part tab is shown as comprising afirst part that is comprised of tab 412; a second part, that iscomprised of both tabs 414 and 416, that are disposed laterallyoutwardly of first part tab 412. Additionally, the multi-part tabincludes a third part that is comprised of break away tabs 418, 420 isalso included. Break away tabs 418, 420 are disposed laterally outwardlyof second part tabs 414, 416.

[0091] The particular arrangement shown enables the tabs 412-420 to beselectively broken away to form a cut out portion having three (or more)distinct widths. For example, the removal of first part tab 412 createsa relatively small opening that, for example, may have a width ofapproximately of 1{fraction (13/16)} inches. The removal of the firstpart tab 412 along with the removal of the second part tabs 414, 416creates a cut out having a width 432 that is larger, and preferably isapproximately 2{fraction (9/16)} inches. Finally, the removal of all ofthe tabs 412-420, including the third part tabs 418, 420 creates arelatively wider opening, and preferably one that is approximately3{fraction (9/16)} inches. These particular dimensions were chosen, asthey are sized to snugly receive the three most popular sizes ofI-Joist.

[0092] Turning now to FIG. 14, it will be noted that I-Joint 440includes a generally narrow vertically extending member 444, that iscapped with a relatively wider, generally laterally extending cap member446. The outer width dimensions of the I-Joist cap 446 are thedimensions that are used to determine the width of the various first,second and third parts of the break away tab. As shown in FIG. 14, thefirst part 412 and second part 414, 416 break away tabs have beenremoved to create a cut out portion 416 that has a width that isapproximately 2{fraction (9/16)} inches wide. It will also be noted thatthe third part tab members 418, 420 have been left in place. Althoughthe third part tab members 418, 420 could be removed, their removalwould create a cut out portion 406 that was generally too wide to snuglyreceive the laterally extending tab member 446 of the I-Joist 440.

[0093] Turning now to FIG. 10, a building system 200 is shown thatincludes a floor system 202, a wall frame system 204, and a roof orceiling system 206 that all employ various features of the presentinvention. The floor system 202 includes a decking material 212, that,in most cases, consists of a series of 4′×8′ sheets of plywood overlainby a covering material such as carpet or tile. The decking material 212rests upon a series of floor joists 214 that, may comprise 2″×10″planks, or engineered-type floor joists. A spacer 216 that is configuredgenerally similarly to spacer 10 of FIG. 1 extends between the joist 214in a direction generally perpendicular thereto. The cut-outs (not shown)in the frame engaging vertical leg receive the upper edge surfaces 218of the floor joists. When the spacer 216 is engaged to the joist, thespacer 216 maintains the joist 214 at the proper spatial orientation,and also helps to provide lateral stability during the constructionprocess.

[0094] A wall system 222 includes a series of generally parallellyextending frame members 224, that, in most residential constructioncases, will comprise 2″×4″ planks. A spacer 226 extends between theframe members 224, and extends in a direction generally perpendicularthereto. The spacer 226 has a configuration generally similar to thealternate embodiment spacer 200 shown in FIG. 7, and includes a seriesof cut-outs (not shown) in the vertically extending leg for receivingthe outer surface 227 of the frame members 224. Alternately, the spacer226 can be disposed adjacent to the interior wall, to engage the inneredge surfaces of the frame member 224.

[0095] The roofing system 206 is shown in FIG. 10 as including a seriesof ceiling joists 232, but alternately, can comprise a series of rooftruss members. A spacer 220 extends between the series of roof joists228, and engages the roof joists 228 through the cut-out portions (notshown) of the vertically extending frame engaging leg of the spacer 220.

[0096] Turning now to FIG. 12, a series of spacers 220 a, 220 b areshown being coupled to a series of roof joists 228. It will be notedthat a first decking member 236 is captured between, and held inposition by vertically upwardly extending deck engaging legs 240, 242 ofthe spacers 220 a, 220 b. As roof section 234 is shown in FIG. 11 asbeing an inclined roof, it will be appreciated that trapping the deckmember 236 between the adjacent spacers 220 a, 220 b, helps to maintainthe appropriate position of the deck member 236 on the inclined roofstructure 234, prior to the deck member 236 being nailed to the framemember, such as with a nail 244.

[0097] Deck member 238 also engages the spacer 220 a. It should also benoted, that the first and second decking members 236, 238 do not buttright up against the major surfaces of the deck engaging leg 240 of thespacers 220 a, 220 b. Rather, the dimples (protrusions) formed in thevertically extending legs 240, 242 maintain the deck members 236, 238 ina slightly separated state from the major surfaces of the verticallyextending deck engaging legs 240, 242, to permit contraction andexpansion of the deck member 236, 238.

[0098] To assemble the roof structure, one end of the spacer is attachedto an end joist. The remaining joists can then be properly aligned withreference to the cut-outs in the particular spacers. After properlyaligned, the joists and spacers can be nailed together, to help maintainthe joists in their appropriate position. After this is accomplished,the decking can be overlain, and then secured to both the spacers andthe joists.

[0099] Although the invention has been described with reference to thecurrently perceived best mode of practicing the invention, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art the variation and modificationsexist which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A brace system for bracing at least three framemembers of a multi-frame member containing frame system of a building,the brace system comprising an elongated brace having a lengthsufficient to extend between at least three frame members, the braceincluding (1) a generally vertically extending frame engaging leg havingat least three cut-out portions therein, the cut-out portions beingdisposed at predetermined intervals for receiving frame members, (2)first and second wing members extending generally perpendicular to theframe engaging leg, the wing members being positioned for resting on anupper surface of a frame member, and (3) a deck engaging leg extendingin a plane generally perpendicular to the wing members, the deckengaging leg including a deck engaging surface configured and positionedfor serving as a rest for decking members;
 2. The brace of claim 1wherein the deck engaging leg includes a first series of protrusionsextending outwardly from the deck engaging surface to maintain a firstdecking member in a spaced relation from the deck engaging surface. 3.The brace of claim 2 where deck engaging leg includes a second deckengaging surface, and a second series of protrusions extending outwardlyfrom the second deck engaging surface in a direction generally oppositeto the direction in which the first series of protrusions extend, thesecond series of protrusions being positioned to maintain a seconddecking member in a spaced relation from the second deck engagingsurface.
 4. The brace of claim 3 wherein the first and second series ofprotrusions comprise a first and second series of hemispherical shapedprotrusions.
 5. The brace of claim 1 wherein each of the first andsecond wing member includes at least an aperture through which afastening member can pass for fixedly coupling the brace to a framemember.
 6. The brace of claim 1 further comprising at least onebreak-away tab member formed in the frame engaging leg, the tab memberbeing removable from the frame engaging leg to form one of the cut outportions.
 7. The brace of claim 1 wherein the at least one break awaytab is perforatedly connected to the frame engaging leg to permit thebreak away tab to be removed by a user's finger, without need foradditional tools.
 8. The brace of claim 1 wherein the deck engaging legincludes a first series of break away tabs and a second series of breakaway tabs, the first series of break away tabs being spaced by a firstpredetermined distance, the first set of break away tabs configured tobe removable to form a first series of said cut-out portions forreceiving frame members spaced according to a first spacing regime, andthe second series of break away tabs being spaced by a secondpredetermined distance, the second set of break away tabs beingconfigured to be removable to form a second series of said cut outportions for receiving frame members spaced according to a secondspacing regime.
 9. The brace of claim 8 wherein the first series ofbreak away tabs are spaced about 16 inches apart and the second seriesof break away tabs are spaced frame members of the about 24 inchesapart, wherein at least one of the break away tabs forms a cut outportion that also receives some of the second series of brake away tabs.10. The brace of claim 8 wherein the first series of break away tabscomprises a series of multi-part break away tabs, including a first partconfigured to be broken away to snugly receive a frame member having afirst width, and a second part configured to be broken away to snuglyreceive a frame member having a second width.
 11. The brace of claim 10wherein the frame member having the second width is wider than the framemember having the first width, wherein the first part and second part ofthe multi-part break away tab is removed to snugly receive the framemember having the second width.
 12. The brace of claim 1 wherein atleast two of the frame engaging leg, wing members and deck engaging legare comprised of two layers of metal for importing enhanced structuralrigidity to the brace.
 13. The brace of claim 12 wherein the at leasttwo members comprises the frame engaging leg and the deck engaging leg.14. The brace of claim 1 wherein the brace is formed from a single sheetof metal formed to include a pair of single layer wing members, a doublelayer frame engaging member and a double layer deck engaging leg. 15.The brace of claim 1 wherein the frame system is selected from the groupconsisting of a floor frame system, a wall frame system and a roof framesystem.
 16. A brace system for bracing at least three frame members of amulti-frame member containing frame system of a building, the bracesystem comprising an elongated brace having a length sufficient toextend between at least three frame members, the brace including (1) agenerally vertically extending frame engaging leg having at least threecut-out portions therein, the cut-out portions being disposed atpredetermined intervals for receiving frame members, (2) first andsecond wing members extending generally perpendicular to the frameengaging leg, the wing members being positioned for resting on an uppersurface of a frame member, wherein, the frame engaging leg includes atleast one break away tab member formed in the frame engaging leg to formone of the cut out portions.
 17. The brace of claim 16 wherein the atleast one break away tab is perforatedly connected to the frame engagingleg to permit the break away tab to be removed by a user's finger,without need for additional tools.
 18. The brace of claim 16 wherein thedeck engaging leg includes a first series of break away tabs and asecond series of break away tabs, the first series of break away tabsbeing spaced by a first predetermined distance, the first set of breakaway tabs configured to be removable to form a first series of saidcut-out portions for receiving frame members spaced according to a firstspacing regime, and the second series of break away tabs being spaced bya second predetermined distance, the second set of break away tabs beingconfigured to be removable to form a second series of said cut outportions for receiving frame members spaced according to a secondspacing regime.
 19. The brace of claim 18 wherein the first series ofbreak away tabs are spaced about 16 inches apart and the second seriesof break away tabs are spaced about 24 inches apart, wherein at leastone of the first series of break away tabs also comprises at least oneof the second series of brake away tabs.
 20. The brace of claim 18wherein the first series of break away tabs comprises a series ofmulti-part break away tabs, including a first part configured to bebroken away to snugly receive a frame member having a first width, and asecond part configured to be broken away to snugly receive a framemember having a second width.
 21. The brace of claim 20 wherein theframe member having the second width is wider than the frame memberhaving the first width, wherein the first part and second part of themulti-part break away tab are removed to snugly receive the frame memberhaving the second width.
 22. The brace of claim 20 wherein the firstseries of break away tabs further comprises a third part configured tobe broken away to snugly receive a frame member having a third width.23. The brace of claim 16 wherein the deck engaging leg includes a firstseries of break away tabs comprising a series of break away tabsincluding a first part being configured to snugly receive a frame memberhaving a first width, a second part comprising a pair of break away tabparts being disposed laterally outwardly of the first part and beingconfigured to snugly receive a frame member having a second widthgreater than first width.
 24. The brace of claim 16 wherein themulti-part break away tabs include a third part comprising a pair ofbreak away tab parts disposed laterally outwardly of the second part,and being configured to snugly receive a frame member having a thirdwidth greater than the second width.
 25. The brace of claim 24 whereinthe removal of the first part allows the cut out portion to receive aframe member having a width of about 1{fraction (13/16)} inches or less,the removal of the second part allows the cut out portion to receive aframe member having a width of about 2{fraction (9/16)} inches or less,and the removal of the third part allows the cut out portion to receivea frame member having a width of about 3{fraction (9/16)} inches orless;
 26. The brace of claim 16 wherein the break away tab includes ahinge portion for permitting the break away tab to pivot about the hingeportion, to permit the tab to be positioned in a parallel plane with asurface of a frame member;
 27. The brace of claim 26 wherein the breakaway tab having a hinge portion includes an aperture for receiving anelongated fastener for permitting the tab to be fixedly attached to theframe member.